Investigation of Laser Powder Bed Fusion of Magnesium Alloys

Author(s):

Alexander Butler, Jian Yu, and Brandon McWilliams

Abstract:

Laser powder bed fusion has the ability to create complex shapes that normally would not be possible with conventional manufacturing processes. Magnesium-based alloys are a structural material of interest due to their high strength-to-mass ratio. However, due to the reactive nature and density of magnesium powder, it can be difficult to manufacture with melting processes. This work describes the process optimization and characterization of three magnesium alloys (WE43, AZ91E, and EV31A), comparing their performance against material produce via conventional manufacturing techniques.